The Rain Couldn’t Keep the Moon from Rising at Moonrise 2017

by Charlotte Vosbeck

Another year has come and gone at Moonrise Festival, Baltimore and Washington DC’s flagship festival. Since 2014 Steez Promo and Club Glow have been successfully putting on Moonrise, each year getting a little more organized and a little bit better with production. This year they had around 40 acts per day with big names in the industry including Afrojack, Big Gigantic, Gramatik, Dillstradamus (Dillon Francis x Flosstradamus), Porter Robinson, Pretty Lights, and Migos. Moonrise had four stages this year: Stellar stage, Lunar stage, Solar Dance Tent, and Celestial Stage. They wildly improved the Stellar stage this year giving it a cool multi-tower structure.

Unfortunately on Saturday festival-goers were a little bit disappointed when a batch of severe weather hit the area and we had to be evacuated from the venue for several hours. In my opinion, I think the staff handled the situation the best that they could have because fans were extremely rowdy and anxious to get back into the venue. Most people who stayed and waited out the storm were in the grand stands of the race course. A couple of highly anticipated acts had to be missed but once we got back into the venue everyone was dancing and enjoying their time again. Moonrise kindly extended Saturday day passes to include Sunday because of the weather. That was an excellent move on their part.

Some notable acts from day one include Gramatik and Zeds Dead who both performed on the Lunar Stage. RL Grime dropped some filth while he was in the Solar Dance Tent. This was the place for the Moonrise fans that wanted to hear some heavy bass and trap music.

The second day at Moonrise was definitely my favorite. Everyone’s energy was at an all time high and the weather forecast showed no signs of another storm. Fans trenched through the mud all day to see some of their favorite artists. Jai Wolf and Porter Robinson created a magical moment for everyone watching their respective sets. Porter Robinson played his Worlds set but with some new and improved twists and surprises. I think most people would agree when I say that Dillstradamus blew everyone out of the water. The set was unique and fun and an amazing way to end the weekend at the Stellar stage.

Overall we didn’t let a little rain keep us down and the moon still rose over Pimlico Race Course to create another special festival experience. They provided excellent hospitality, food vendors, merchandise and memorabilia. I’m looking forward to see what 2018 holds for Moonrise Festival.

Skrillex is playing the final club night at Webster Hall this Saturday, August 5th before the venue closes their doors and ends a chapter of music history. Earlier this year the iconic venue announced they would be shutting down in August, and Skrillex is returning to send them off in style alongside OWSLA’s latest signee Ekali.

Skrillex also released his new song and video for “Would You Ever” last week with singer/songwriter Poo Bear. Watch the video below and catch Skrillex this weekend at one of Webster Hall’s final can’t-miss shows.

NORA EN PURE ‘WAVES’ OUT NOW VIA ENORMOUS TUNES

“As free as the air you breath…”

by Michael Beas

“As free as the air you breath…” is the harmony that is put forth on this endless summer dream that Nora En Pure brings us for her latest release of ‘Waves’ Out Now via Enormous Tunes’ Ibiza Nights Compilation.

Helvetic Nerds style, Deep House and Indie Dance are some of the themes that you can except to find when checking out ‘Waves’ which for me is like crossing an Ocean of pure music that is NOT, I repeat NOT for the faint of heart. The piano cords tie everything in with smooth chill male vocals that makes me feel like you are watching a HOUSE sunset. For me ‘Waves’ is one of those sexy time all rounded tracks that will be all over the airwaves over the next few months and is one that you will have on repeat all day and all night.

April saw Nora En Pure tour across the globe, bringing her sought-after sound to Rome, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Indio, Dallas, Indonesia and Thailand. Completing two scintillating sets at the legendary Coachella Festival, Nora En Pure is on an all time high and shows no signs of slowing down. Make sure to check her socials and tour schedule to catch a show near you!

Raver Mag. asked Nora in an exclusive interview about her Travels: While traveling, how do you stay level-headed? What gives you energy? What makes you “feel at home?”

Nora En Pure: I wouldn’t say anything really makes me “feel at home”, until I am actually back at home! Of course speaking to loved ones via Facetime or so when I am away helps, and having certain foods or listening to certain music. The very best is having someone join me on tour, but of course that’s not always a possibility.

Award-winning, multi-platinum artist, songwriter, producer and 3X #1 Billboard charting vocalist VASSY gave Raver Mag an opportunity to go behind the scenes with her during Miami Music Week. For those that don’t know, VASSY was discovered by Australian Radio Station Triple J after where she won song of the year. Her single “We Are Young” reached No. 1 on the US Billboard dance chart making her the first Australian Artist to go No. 1 with her solo single debut release. She is a certified RIAA Platinum and Gold recording artist.

In 2014, VASSY collaborated with David Guetta and Showtek on their song “Bad” which became 7 times double platinum and established her in the electronic dance music scene. In 2015, she collaborated with Tiesto and KSHMR on their track “Secrets” which reigned atop the Billboard Club chart and Beatport charts and went straight to number No. 1 in 20 countries. In 2016, she released her single “Nothing to Lose” through Musical Freedom Records co-produced by Tiesto. VASSY’s music incorporates dance, reggae and soul in her style of music. Her music has received an array of accolades, including ARIA awards and IDMA awards.

We were honored to be able to walk a few days in the life of such an amazing artist who is literally making history with every vocal that she writes and has the ability to sing. This is what she shared with us.

When you were a kid, what profession did you want to be when you were grown up?

I always knew I was going to be a musician. Music was always so important to me, even when I was young.

What was your biggest fear as a kid?

Not reaching the goals that I set for myself. I always wanted to do the best I could, especially with music.

Who was your hero as a child?

Definitely my father. He always worked so hard to succeed and I remember thinking, ‘I want to be just like him’.

What type of music did your parents listen to?

So much Greek music! All the time.

What made you seriously get into music?

I realized there was no other future for me than music. So at that point I knew I had to make it a priority in my life. After that everything seemed to fall into place and here we are!

What is the most extreme weather gig you’ve ever done?

I played live with Tiesto at Tomorrowland and it poured on us!

What is your favorite part of Miami Music Week?

I love being surrounded by all my peers and amazing music for an entire week. There’s nothing like it!